Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane excited to kick off the new season after testy press conference
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid‘s fearless leader Zinedine Zidane took to the podium in Houston, Texas to conduct his first pre-match press conference on Friday night. The boss was a little testy answering some of the questions, but more than anything voiced his excitement to start another season.
“We know that physically we’re not at 100% yet. The matches allow us to get right in time for the season. I’m happy, we’ve worked very well and that’s what we came for,” Zidane told the large number of press members gathered at NRG Stadium.
In his first presser of the new season and just days after the tragic death of his brother Farid, Zizou seemed a bit testy with the amount of transfer rumor questions that were asked and some at times controversial inquiries.
One of the first points the Real Madrid manager made in his presser was how he he has been very pleased with how the handful of new signings from the summer have been able to adapt to their new club.
"“I’m very happy, I’m not going to say surprised because it’s not the word. It’s not easy when you get to a new club. They are very hardworking people and I’m happy with what they are doing. They’re very good and it’s a bonus for us.”"
Of the new players, Zidane made sure to mention Eden Hazard’s determination and his ability to lead by doing. Another interesting point Zizou made was in regards to the young Takefusa Kubo has had been a joy to watch in this last week of training.
"“He looks good to me, he’s training well. He’s a quality player. I’m sure he will be important for Real Madrid. He is taking on the workload well. He’s young but it feels like he’s been with us for a long time.”"
What frustrated the Real Madrid boss were the questions regarding the pending transfer of Paul Pogba, or questions regarding the futures of James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale.
The Pogba questions arose at least three times during the presser prompting Zidane to snap back when the question was asked repeatedly. He brushed off the questions basically saying that the club is content with the squad they have at the moment and they are only focused on the coming week and the matches to be played.
It seems to me that Real Madrid will not be signing Paul Pogba this summer after Manchester United raised the asking price for the midfielder from €120 million to near €200.
Three Real Madrid players to keep an eye on against Bayern Munich. dark. Next
In regards to the Bale and James rumors, the leader of the team reaffirmed his faith in the Welsh forward and is confident he can still play a role in helping the team to big things this year.
The James response was short and straight to the point and gave little information as to what the future will hold for the Colombian.
"“He’s a Real Madrid player. He’s on holidays and we’ll see what’s going to happen. I can’t tell you anything else.”"